Italian star ready for HQ workout

Electrocutionist will begin his build-up to the Canadian International with a gallop at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The four-year-old, who is trained by Italian Valfredo Valiani, has been lodging at Headquarters since winning the Juddmonte International at York in August.

Valiani is due to fly to Britain ahead of Electrocutionist’s piece of work and will stay until Sunday as the horse will work again on Saturday.

“The horse is fine. He needs a couple of proper bits of work as he’s put on some weight since York,” said Valiani.

“He will have a serious workout on both Saturdays before leaving for Canada on October 16. I will follow him a couple of days later.”

Valiani and owner Earle Mack decided to bypass the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as they were not sure the Red Ransom colt would be suited by easy ground.

Electrocutionist could also sidestep the Woodbine race on October 23 if the ground is not suitable, with the Breeders’ Cup Turf a week later an alternative option.

“We’ve made our decision and he will run in the Canadian International as long as the ground isn’t heavy. Michael Kinane will ride,” explained Valiani.

“If it does rain in Toronto, we will go for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.”

Electrocutionist has raced just three times this term, but Valiani feels the form of his narrow second in an Italian Group One last season has been boosted by Shirocco’s good performance in the Arc.

“We go there without any fears – I watched the Arc and Shirocco’s fourth place was also a very good sign for us,” added Valiani.